Fashion, Travel , Lifestyle

hershey

On a scope of 1-10 on parties I’m a 1. I’m not nor have I ever been a huge fan of parties. I blame it on my introverted nature and my overall comfortable ability to enjoy being at home. Yes even on major occasions like New Years Eve I’ve stayed home. Although sometimes I’ve regretted not putting an effort into finding something to do. So with really no plans for this past New Years Eve I was excited when a cousin of mine suggested we go to Hershey Pennsylvania! The town that’s known for Hershey Park has much more to do than its famous amusement park, including on New Years Eve. Here’s what we did while there.

Now if you have ever wondered how Hershey makes chocolate be sure to make your way to Hershey’s Chocolate World. The free Hershey Making Tour consist of an amusement like ride that teaches you how the chocolate is made. From cocoa bean to fully made Hershey kiss, you’ll learn so much more than you actually think goes into making Hershey’s chocolate. Be sure to grab your free Hershey kiss at the end of the ride. On New Years Eve there is a live DJ and dance floor for kids where they can dance with Hershey characters. Other options include the Chocolate Tasting Experience, 4D Chocolate Mystery, Create Your Own Candy Bar, Trolley Tour and bakery. The giant candy store can’t be missed either!

If you are a history lover like I am than you must make your way to The Hershey Story. Inside is not only a museum, but a chocolate tasting experience, chocolate making experience for kids and a café. We did the chocolate tasting and museum portions which took a few hours. If you wish to experience the chocolate tasting I suggest buying your museum ticket on Groupon on which includes the tasting. Make sure to get there early as the museum is only open until 5pm and the tasting closes before that. During the tasting you are given a map and six sipping chocolates. Each is made with different chocolates from around the world, the map helps you figure out which chocolate you are tasting.

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The museum is a self guided tour where you learn about Milton Hershey’s life and how he created a world-famous brand and well-known town. You’ll be inspired to go after your dreams when you learn how Milton as young man with almost nothing started the Hershey Company. An innovator and equal opportunist ahead of his time Milton introduced not only chocolate but encouraged a creative and fair workplace. So much so that the machine which wrapped Herheys Kisses was invented by employees and brothers Walter, Howard and Raymond Philippe.

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His generosity continued even when former employee Harry Reese became a competitor. The two men became friends and when Reese was struggling to distribute his products Milton made an alliance with the Reese company, allowing them to use the Hershey’s distribution method. Eventually the H.B. Reese Candy Company was bought by the Hershey Chocolate Corporation. Hershey was continuously generous throughout his life, giving away his fortune to charity.

Other things to do:

Hershey Sweet Lights

Stay in your car as you drive through a festive light show.

The Kiss Drop

Watch the Giant Hershey Kiss make its way to the top as you count down to midnight in downtown Hershey. A live band plays music and vendors are out to help keep warm with hot chocolate. Stay until the very end for a spectacular firework show.

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Hershey Park

The amusement park is open during New Years Eve if rides are more up your alley.

Have you ever been to Hershey during the holidays? What did you do for New Year’s Eve?